Make Your Own Vacuum Filter
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1 hours
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Beginner
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- 10-20
While your vacuum cleaner must have a vacuum bag, a motor, a hose, and a strong agitator brush, without a good vacuum filter you will just be circulating the dust and allergens back into the room.
Vacuum filters have a big job to do. They trap microscopic particles that can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Vacuum filters also work to keep the inside of the vacuum clean. If dirt builds up inside the exhaust area, it will cause the vacuum to malfunction and need repair.
HEPA filters are the best type of filter as they trap almost 100 percent of the particles. In addition, you can buy allergen filters and micron filters that target a specific menace. When your filter becomes dirty, or clogged, and you don't have a replacement on hand, you can make a filter to work in its place until you can purchase one. Here is how to make your own vacuum filter.
Step 1 - Cut Sponge to Fit
First, you must cut the sponge to fit on the side compartment. An upright vacuum cleaner has two different filters. The first one is inside the vacuum area where the dirt canister is. The second is on the side where the air exhaust is. This second one is where the sponge goes.
To open this compartment find the small tab on the side and give it a little pull to open the louvered door. Take the filter out that is already there and set it on a sponge. Trace around it with a marker. Cut out the outline with the scissors. Once it is cut out you can place the sponge into the filter compartment and close the door. It is not perfect, but it will work until you can replace it.
Step 2 - Wrap with Coffee Filters
Coffee filters can be employed for more uses than just straining coffee. You can also use them for other general filtering purposes. Inside the vacuum cleaner another vacuum filter sits on top of the dirt canister wrapped with a foam sleeve. If this is damaged, you can easily replace it by wrapping some coffee filters around it. Attach the coffee filters with rubber bands. It should work well until you can get another filter.
Step 3 - Drape Cheesecloth
You can also try using cheesecloth. While it will stop a lot of dust, the tiny microns may still escape. Just wrap the filter the same way you did with the coffee filters.
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![Justin Stewart]()
Justin Stewart is a contributing writer to DoItYourself.com. He loves researching new home improvement techniques, and has written about a huge range of topics, from electrical wiring, to plumbing, to carpentry.![Lindani Chirambadare]()
With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and cleaning solutions. Lindani especially loves researching natural, non-harmful ways to clean. She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her.
